Why Lakers passed on a Russell Westbrook deal at NBA trade deadline

The Lakers had an opportunity to maneuver on from their Russell Westbrook downside on the NBA commerce deadline.

Nevertheless, Los Angeles opted not commerce the previous MVP to the Rockets for John Wall. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka balked at including a 2027 first-round NBA Draft choose and the deal disintegrated from there, in accordance with Yahoo Sports activities.

Westbrook’s match alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is threatening to wreck the season for the 26-30 Lakers.

It it robust to say whether or not Wall can be an answer. The oft-injured level guard has not performed in any respect this season for the rebuilding Rockets. Wall is at the moment wholesome, however the staff and participant initially agreed to sit down him out seemingly to keep away from risking damage and ultimately commerce him.

With that not occurring, no less than but, Wall’s future with the Rockets is unsure. Each he and Westbrook — who had been already traded for one another as soon as earlier than final season — have one 12 months and $47 million left on their contracts.

Russell Westbrook wasn’t dealt on the NBA commerce deadline

NBAE by way of Getty Pictures

Westbrook’s frustration boiled over after Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Bucks when he vented over Lakers coach Frank Vogel’s rotations. Westbrook has been benched on the finish of some tight video games, together with the complete time beyond regulation in Saturday’s win over the Knicks.

“You by no means know if you’re coming in, you by no means know if you’re popping out. You by no means know if you’re taking part in, you by no means know… a bunch of issues,” Westbrook mentioned.

“And I’m talking for me personally, so it’s a troublesome course of to have the ability to determine and create some rhythm and a few consistency the place we are able to really see what we’re capable of do as a staff, however these choices are made by him and his teaching employees, and also you’ve acquired to reside with it and transfer on.”

Wall hasn’t performed this season for the Rockets

NBAE by way of Getty Pictures

The Lakers at the moment sit at No. 9 seed within the Western Convention, which might power them to undergo the play-in video games to achieve the playoffs.